Any Questions?

Should I send my films to Stuttgart or Berlin?

You can continue to send your films to Stuttgart for the next 3 months.
From May 1, 2024 Films can only be sent to Berlin.

We recommend sending your film to our new Berlin Lab. Films send to Stuttgart require 3 weeks for processing; to Berlin, only 2 weeks.

Our new Berlin Address:

SILBERSALZ CINELAB.
Goerzallee 311
14167 Berlin
Germany

 

I can also just send you my films and pay later, right?

Yes you can send us all supported films without including Lab Service Vouchers. In this case we will provide you a payment link after your films arrive at our lab.

When sending your films, make sure that you include the following information:

  • Your full name
  • your email address
  • opt./ Special processing choices (Push +1 / Pull -1 / BBP)
  • opt./ Raw Scan only option (only for advanced users)

 

In case you have a Lab Service Voucher you simply include it after you filled it out.

Now just send your film to us:

SILBERSALZ CINELAB.
Goerzallee 311
14167 Berlin
Germany

We recommend using tracked shipping.

I ordered SILBERSALZ35 before September 2022, does anything change for my included Processing and Scanning.

No. Of course processing and scanning is still included for your former purchase. Your scans will benefit from our new APOLLON.14K scanning quality, our new positiv-film-inspired colour science. You will get your scans via web-gallery for online review and download. In case you are interested in downloading full quality 14K scans you can buy this option after receiving your scans.
The 14K scan upgrade will cost you 9,90 for your gallery containing up to 4 films.

Is it possible to get RAW (neutral flat) scans?

Of course.

Choose RAW OPTION for ultra flat, neutral and scientific scans. Flat scans come without our popular SILBERSALZ color science: recommended for skilled colourists and image editing professionals only. The images will be delivered without being flipped the correct way.

Just tick the option on your voucher or let us know on a note when sending in your film.

I want a SILBERSALZ35 hardcase! How do I get one?

All SILBERSALZ35 film is delivered in beautiful, colourful cardboard packaging. To further protect your film, the hardcase is of course perfect. You can purchase one separately here.

Do I need to buy Film, Processing and Scanning separately?

You can buy all the stocks individually.
Processing and scanning are not included in the price but sold together with our Lab Service Vouchers.

Did you develop and build the APOLLON 14K scanner all by yourself?

Yes we are crazy 😉

In our search for a new scanner, we found that although technology has come a long way, no one has thought to raise the bar in film scanning. So we raised the bar ourselves to finally bring out the full potential of analog film with APOLLON 14K. 

Who is this APOLLON?

Apollo (ancient Greek πόλλων Apóllōn, Latin Apollo) is the god of light and the arts in Greek and Roman mythology.

For this reason we have named our self-developed 14K scanner “APOLLON”. 

Is SILBERSALZ35 the cheapest way to shoot analog?

Yes, if you appreciate quality, we are the cheapest way for you 🙂

You will not find another lab that can provide you with comparable quality for this price. 

If you do – show us: service@silbersaz35.com

Can I have my films just developed or just scanned at your lab?

Unfortunately, we do not offer this service at the moment. But we are constantly working on new ideas 😉 

You have more good ideas?
Let us know: service@silbersaz35.com

I want to get my film processed at your lab. What should I do?

If you want to have your films developed and scanned, just send us your film with your name and email address. Legible 😉
We will get back to you as soon as the film arrives and you can pay online.

Alternatively, you can send us a voucher that was purchased online or in one of our flagship stores, and your film will go directly into processing.

Purchase a SILBERSALZ voucher here that includes professional ECN-2 processing, 4K JPG scans (HIGH QUALITY) and your personal web gallery.

Optionally, you can also order FULL QUALITY scans after you got your pictures and receive an additional Dropbox link to your 14K JPGs and 14K JP2s.

Can I buy SILBERSALZ35 film only on your website?

No, quite the opposite.

There are SILBERSALZ35 films for sale in over 10 flagship stores all across Europe.

Feel free to stop by if you’re in the area!

Here you can find more info about the Flagship stores.

Do you process third-party/C-41 films?

Yes. We have optimised our ECN-2 and APOLLON.14K process for 19 additional third-party film stocks.
We only support original Kodak, SILBERSALZ, Fujifilm and Ilford brand cartridges as listed below.

SILBERSALZ.LAB develops and scans:

KODAK EKTACHROME E100
KODAK ULTRAMAX 400
KODAK PROIMAGE 100
KODAK COLOR + 200
KODAK PORTRA 800
KODAK PORTRA 400
KODAK PORTRA 160
KODAK GOLD 200
KODAK EKTAR 100

FUJIFILM SUPERIA X-TRA 400
FUJIFILM SUPERIA X-TRA 200
FUJIFILM SUPERIA VENUS 800
FUJIFILM VELVIA 100
FUJIFILM PROVIA 100F
FUJIFILM INDUSTRIAL 100
FUJIFILM PRO 400-H
FUJIFILM C 200

ILFORD XP-2 400
CINEGRELL CINEMA FILM

SILBERSALZ35 050D
SILBERSALZ35 200T
SILBERSALZ35 250D
SILBERSALZ35 500T
SILBERSALZ35 125T

Please note that all film will be processed in the ECN-2 color negative process.
Thus, films like Ektachrome E100, or Velvia, will be cross processed as a negative as well.

For more information on how to use Ektachrome processed as a negative creatively,
see this interview with HBO Euphoria’s DoP Marcell Rév.

I have received my link. When will my images be available?

Please note that uploading your images to Dropbox, especially the JP2 and JP2 RAW scans, may take up to a few days.

We provide you with your download link as soon as we start with the upload of your images, so you can see your images as soon as they are ready!

Which motion picture stock is SILBERSALZ35?

SILBERSALZ35 is made with untouched KODAK VISION3 Motion Picture Film only!

What do I have to consider if I live in a non-EU country and send in films for processing?

Packages from non-EU countries may get checked by customs.

Please adhere to local regulations, when sending film.
Important: please keep in mind that the film is worthless after exposure and only comes to us for processing, so please indicate a value of 1€ per film.

Please note: We don’t take responsibility for packages that don’t get past customs. Please read the information sheet carefully, which is enclosed with your pack of SILBERSALZ35 and follow the instructions.

Is it possible to push and pull SILBERSALZ35 during processing?

Yes. Pushing (longer processing – brighter) and Pulling (shorter processing – darker) SILBERSALZ35 is possible. We can pull and push your films by 1 stop.

Please keep in mind that every special developing option (like Bleach Bypass or Pushing and Pulling the film) always counts for each voucher (1 film) or bundle voucher (4 films) only.

Please use the voucher to include clear processing instructions when sending in your films. If you leave the voucher empty or out, we will process your SILBERSALZ35 films regularly.

These two special processes can’t be combined with the BBP – Bleach Bypass method. 

How do I contact SILBERSALZ35 for press inquiries?

For press inquiries just drop us a mail at service@silbersalz35.com.

Can I mention you on my blog / Instagram?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Feel free to link our channel @silbersalz35 and @silbersalzfilm on Instagram or TikTok!

We love seeing your SILBERSALZ35 images all around! #silbersalz35

Do you guys offer photography film only?

Not at all. 

Our SILBERSALZ CINELAB also offers complete motion picture film reels and the corresponding processing.

We work with professionals from the filmmaking industry, creating feature films, commercials and music videos.

SILBERSALZ35 is a brand of SILBERSALZ Film.

We are an agency and film production founded by cinematographers. SILBERSALZ Film is mainly working in international advertisement.

Visit silbersalz-film.com for more information.

What are the technical specs of my scans?

We scan every film with our self-developed, brand new APOLLON.14K SCANNER with our awesome and unique colour science. 

In the standard version (HIGH QUALITY) of your images, the resolution of your scans will be 4000x2480px.
If you order FULL QUALITY your scans will have a mind blowing resolution of 14204x8719px!

The scans are delivered in Adobe RGB colour space and scanned with a sensor that has up to 150 megapixel resolution, and 16 Bit RGB color per pixel.

What’s the story behind the SILBERSALZ35 Colour Science?

This is our little secret. Don’t ask again! 😉

How does SILBERSALZ35 compare to CINESTILL?

SILBERSALZ35 are the actual, untouched motion picture stocks used for films like ‘Dunkirk’,’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ or ‘Wonder Woman’, with True Cinefilm chemical processing (ECN-2). For scanning we are also using state-of-the-art cine equipment. For digital post processing we only use our own unique Colour Science. 

We worked hard on adapting the whole process of analog motion picture productions for your photos. 🙂

The CINESTILL proprietary “Premoval” process makes motion picture film safe to process in standard C-41 photo chemicals. Our tests show that C-41 processing results in degraded colour and contrast rendition.

Do you offer large format films?

Not yet. Please drop us a mail with any ideas or suggestions at service@silbersalz35.com!

Besides SILBERSALZ35, we also develop 15 other film stocks from external manufacturers such as Kodak Portra, Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400 and many more. Please check FAQ Do you process third-party/C-41 films? for more info.

How long will you store my images?

Your digital scans will be available via a personal download link for 30 days. 

We remind all our customers of this via email.

If you have ordered FULL QUALITY, your scans will be available for 3 months. After this 3 month period, your scans will be stored for free in our backup service for the long term. 

For details check our AGB.

Will I get my negatives back after scanning?

That is up to you! 

As soon as we receive your exposed films, we will inform you via email. This email will contain a link to our webshop and provide you with a customized code to give you the option to book the return of your negatives.

Booking the negative return will cost 4,90 EUR plus shipping.

If you don’t book the negative return within the next 50 days, your negatives will be safely destroyed.

How will I receive my digital pictures?

Your images will be processed and scanned for you with love. 🙂

Within max. 14 days you will receive from us a link via email to your personal web gallery,
where you can view and download your 4K JPGs (HIGH QUALITY).

If you want to upgrade to FULL QUALITY scans, you will find a link for that in that same email. After purchasing you will receive a password to enter the Dropbox Transfer to view and download 14K JPGs and 14K JP2s (FULL QUALITY).

SILBERSALZ35 scans come slightly overscanned with a black frame around each picture. We don’t scan the perforation though.

Can I visit your lab? Are there workshops?

Sure. We are based in lovely Berlin, Germany. If you are nearby, just drop us a mail at service@silbersalz35.com.

Can any local lab process SILBERSALZ35?

No. SILBERSALZ35 film is designed to be processed with the True Cinefilm ECN-2-process only. Your local lab is certainly using the simpler and lower-quality C-41 process for development.

Please be aware that True Cinefilm can damage regular C-41 processing machines.

Can I send in single cartridges?

Of course. You can send in your single films or more at once. For up to 3 films we charge you with Single Lab Vouchers. Processing 4 Films at once is cheaper with our 4 Films Lab Voucher.

Also you have to have in mind that every special developing option (like Bleach Bypass or Pushing and Pulling the films) always counts for each voucher (1 film) or bundle voucher (4 films) only.

When should I send in exposed films?

Our tests have shown that exposed film should be processed as soon as possible.

Exposed and unexposed film should be stored in the fridge at 13 °C or below.

How do I get my films developed?

Your images will be processed and scanned for you with love. Just send in your SILBERSALZ35 film or any other supported film stock to the following address:

SILBERSALZ LAB.
Goerzallee 311
14167 Berlin
Germany

Within 3 weeks you’ll get your processed and scanned images via a link to your personal Web Gallery for viewing and downloading.

For ideal protection store the cartridges in a SILBERSALZ35 hardcase. 

Is there an expiration date?

The vouchers are valid for 1 year after purchase.

The film has an expiration date printed on it. But if the film was stored correctly, it is still usable far beyond.

Exposed and unexposed film should be stored in the fridge at 13 °C/50°F or below.

How should I store SILBERSALZ35?

Film likes it chilly. Exposed and unexposed film should be stored using your original SILBERSALZ35 pack in the fridge (13 °C / 50°F or below).

Do you support cameras using DX-code?

SILBERSALZ35 films come within shiny metal cartridges featuring DX-code and therefore support cameras reliant to DX-code! 

If your camera does not support DX-code, please make sure to manually change your camera’s ISO and overexpose by one stop.

Where do I get a compatible camera?

It’s easy. For no more than 50 bucks you can get a beautiful analog camera.

For beginners, we recommend the Canon AE-1 (around 100 bucks).

What is “BBP – Bleach Bypass Processing“?

BBP is for brave SILBERSALZ35 users only. It provides an even more cinematic and unique look.

For BBP processing we skip the bleach bath. Why? Skipping the bleach bath gives you a lot more contrast and way less saturation, especially in the reds and blues.

Some notable cinematographers who have used Bleach Bypass Processing are Darius Khondji, Dariusz Wolski, Walter Carvalho, Oliver Stapleton, Newton Thomas Sigel, and Janusz Kamiński (notably on Steven Spielberg’s „Saving Private Ryan“ and „Minority Report“).

When using BBP, we recommend exposing SILBERSALZ35 by box speed.

Keep in mind that every special developing option (like Bleach Bypass or Pushing and Pulling the films) always counts for each voucher (1 film) or bundle voucher (4 films) only.

Which flavour should I choose?

You should definitely test all SILBERSALZ35 stocks and choose depending on your shooting situation.

050D Daylight (5500K) is a low-speed colour negative motion picture film.

        E.g.: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) / 12 Years a Slave (2013) / James Bond 007 – Spectre (2015)
We recommend it for Landscape, nature, outdoor and sunlight.

200T Tungsten (3200K) is a mid-speed colour negative motion picture film.

          E.g.: Super 8 (2011), The Hateful Eight (2015) / Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
We recommend it for Portraits, indoor, studio or street photography.

250D Daylight (5500K) is a mid-speed colour negative motion picture film.

        E.g.: La La Land (2016) / Transcendence (2014) / Furious 7 (2015)
We recommend it for Portraits, fashion, landscape and sunlight.

500T Tungsten (3200K) is a high-speed colour negative motion picture film.

          E.g.: Inglourious Basterds (2009) / The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) / The Imitation Game (2014)
We recommend it for Low light, night photography, street photography or indoor.

How does SILBERSALZ35 compare to other stocks?

SILBERSALZ35 gives you the True Cinefilm look without compromise – professional ECN-2 processing, up to 150 megapixel scanning and a JPG & JP2 delivery.

Compared to classic photo film this means for you:

  • Exceptional colour and look
  • Native tungsten and daylight stocks available
  • High dynamic range
  • Softer and more organic skin tones
  • More organic grain structure

SILBERSALZ35 True Cinefilm features the unsurpassed image quality, real-world flexibility, digital compatibility and archival stability that you demand.

How does SILBERSALZ35 compare to digital?

Compared to digital, shooting SILBERSALZ35 will give you plenty aesthetic advantages:

  Your colours will look amazing. Your skin tones will feel really natural, soft and organic.

  Highlights will be very soft and pleasing.

  You will notice a great, organic grain structure.

SILBERSALZ35 scans also give you up to 150 megapixel resolution. What does your digital cam have? 😉 

Furthermore, you have 16-bit uncompressed colour depth and our unique SILBERSALZ35 Colour Science.

Are you guys crazy?

Maybe. We just love what we do.

On our journey to produce more beautiful, unique and breakthrough films, we fell in love with True Cinefilm.

We wanted to share this passion with the world. That’s how SILBERSALZ35 was born.

We think that everyone should be able to enjoy the beauty of True analog Cinefilm. That’s why we are so committed and working hard on keeping SILBERSALZ35 as affordable and useable as possible.

Why should I shoot analog?

Shooting analog means: you focus on what really matters. Light, framing and story! 

Shooting analog is the best way to improve your photography skills.

Benefit from the unique quality, look and texture of analog film stocks.

Which exposure settings would you recommend?

The standard exposure of e.g. 500T is ISO500, but we recommend overexposing SILBERSALZ35 films by one stop for quality reasons. 

The DX-code on our cartridges already provides this information to your camera, which (if compatible) automatically sets your camera to overexpose by one stop. A 500T would tell your camera in that case “I have ISO250”.

If you decide to choose Bleach Bypass processing, we recommend to expose SILBERSALZ35 according to the specified film speed.

I lost my return sticker. What should I do now?

No problem!
The return sticker is just an address label. Just send your exposed films to:

SILBERSALZ CINELAB
Goerzallee 311
14167 Berlin
Germany

You have to cover the costs for the return shipment by yourself. We recommend insuring the shipment and set up tracking for a safer shipment.

Can I pick up my SILBERSALZ35 order locally?

If this option is available for your order, you will see it during checkout. 🙂 This is available for orders from Germany only.

Alternatively your are invited to visit one of our Local Stores.

Is there a table, chart, or formula for reciprocity failure? (Schwarzschild Effect)

At excessively short or long exposures, photographic film behaves differently than usual, introducing a reciprocity failure.
To counter the effects of reciprocity failure, certain compensations can be made.

As reciprocity failure will not equally affect all layers of a photographic emulsion to the same degree,
noticeable color shifts may be introduced by long exposures on film.

While these color shifts can be corrected in a scan, filtration will yield better results.
If using filtration, please take filter factors into consideration while determining the
appropriate exposure time.

For critical work, make tests under your conditions to determine appropriate exposure and color filtration.

The values given below are to be understood as starting points and provide no guarantee
for a well exposed and correctly color balanced image. 

 

SILBERSALZ35 050D

EXPOSURE CORRECTION FILTRATION
1 -10 s
30 s 40 s
60 s 90 s CC10R
90 s 140 s CC10R
120 s 190 s CC20R
180 s 300 s CC20R
300 s 530 s CC30R
500 s + 950 s CC50R

 

SILBERSALZ35 200T

EXPOSURE CORRECTION FILTRATION
1 -10 s
30 s 35 s
60 s 70 s CC10M
90 s 100 s CC10M
120 s 140 s CC20M
180 s 210 s CC20M
300 s 360 s CC30M
500 s + 600 s CC30M

 

SILBERSALZ35 250D

EXPOSURE CORRECTION FILTRATION
1 -10 s
30 s 40 s
60 s 80 s CC10R
90 s 130 s CC10R
120 s 180 s CC20R
180 s 300 s CC20R
300 s 500 s CC30R
500 s + 1000 s+ CC50R

 

SILBERSALZ35 500T

EXPOSURE CORRECTION FILTRATION
1 -10 s + 1/3 stop
30 s 60 s
60 s 100 s CC10M
90 s 150 s CC10M
120 s 300 s CC20M
180 s 500 s CC20M
300 s 950 s CC30M
500 s +(*) 1300 s+ CC50M

* not recommended.

For further technical information please find Kodak’s Cinematographer’s Field Guide here.

Photography under fluorescent lights

To avoid the brightness and color variations that occur during a single alternating-current cycle,
use shutter speeds of 1/60 second or longer with fluorescent lamps.

Can I take my films with me on a plane?

As long as you have your SILBERSALZ35 films in your carry-on baggage, you’ll be fine. Almost all carry-on baggage scanners work with a dose of X-ray radiation harmless to SILBERSALZ35.

To be safe, you should ask the security personnel for a “hand check”. That’s a decision which can only be made by the security personnel, but works most of the time. If they deny it, politely ask for their supervisor.

Why lossless JP2?

It is the only format out there at the moment that supports high color depth (16 bit) and pristine lossless quality.

Would TIFF be an alternative? Well – we did some testings. A pack of four APOLLON.14K scanned films would result in 150 GB TIFF downloads. 😉

How do I open JP2 files?

Lossless JP2 files can be opened with programs like Adobe Photoshop, Preview on a Mac or free programs like IrfanView or XnConvert.

You prefer Adobe Lightroom?
Download our APOLLON TO LIGHTROOM converter for Mac here or XnConvert for PC here.